NIT Rourkela JRF Recruitment 2026

NIT Rourkela is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for an SERB ANRF-funded robotics research project in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. If you have an M.Tech / M.E. in Computer Science, IT or a related field (or a GATE-qualified B.Tech), you can apply by 12 July 2026. The fellowship pays Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month depending on your year of engagement, and selection is through a direct online interview with no written exam.

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR) JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, is recruiting a Junior Research Fellow for the SERB ANRF-sponsored project "Design and Development of an Affordable Edge AI-Powered Robotic Therapeutic Intervention System for Motor-Impaired Patients" (Project Code: SR-26-CS-022, Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS022/L/053). The project is jointly led by Prof. Anup Nandy (Computer Science and Engineering) and Prof. Asim Kumar Naskar (Electrical Engineering), and focuses on building an edge-AI neuro-robotic rehabilitation system for patients with motor impairment. The system will be prototyped for clinical and home-based use, with real-world validation through hospital collaborations, aiming to improve therapy effectiveness and cut healthcare costs through automation. SERB ANRF (Science and Engineering Research Board, now under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation) is funding this work, reflecting the growing national push toward affordable, home-grown medical technology. The engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, making it a good fit for candidates who want hands-on research experience in AI, robotics and healthcare technology before pursuing a Ph.D. If you enjoy working at the intersection of software, hardware and clinical care, this project gives you a rare chance to see your research move from the lab bench toward real patients. NIT Rourkela's Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRICC) office typically runs a dozen or more project fellow openings at any given time across departments such as Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, so this JRF post is one among several active research opportunities at the institute right now.

Who Can Apply?

NIT Rourkela has kept three alternate qualification routes open, so both traditional Master's degree holders and GATE-qualified Bachelor's degree holders can apply. Check carefully which route fits your background:

• Qualification (Option 1): M.Tech / M.E. / M.Tech.(R) / M.S.(R) after B.Tech/B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) / IT or equivalent, with a valid GATE score, or B.Tech in AI and ML, with 60% marks or 6.5/10 CGPA at both degree levels
• Qualification (Option 2): B.Tech / B.E. in CSE/IT with a GATE score in CS/IT/AI & DS and CGPA above 7.0/10 or marks above 65%
• Qualification (Option 3): M.Sc. (with GATE) or MCA (with GATE) in Computer Science / Information Technology with 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks
• Desirable Skills: Knowledge of AI/ML, programming in Python, Java and C++, strong fundamentals in Mathematics, and experience with Machine Learning and Data Analysis
• JRFs selected under this project may be eligible for Ph.D. enrollment, subject to institute regulations — a useful stepping stone if you are considering a doctoral degree.

Salary

Your fellowship amount depends on how many years you have spent on the project, following the standard research fellowship structure:

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month in Year 1 and Year 2 of the project.
• The fellowship increases to Rs. 42,000 per month in Year 3 and Year 4.
• No other allowances are mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

NIT Rourkela will select the JRF through a single stage, so your qualification, GATE score and interview performance matter most:

1. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 14 July 2026 at 10:00 AM by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Be ready to discuss your academic background, GATE score, and any prior exposure to AI/ML, robotics or embedded systems, since the project needs someone who can start contributing quickly.

This fellowship amount follows the stipend structure used across most SERB and other government-funded project fellow positions in India, so it is fixed by year of engagement rather than negotiated individually.

How to Apply

There is no online portal for this position — applications are accepted only by email:

1. Download the project fellow application form from the NITR SRICC Career page (nitrkl.ac.in/SRICCE/Career).
2. Fill in your qualification, GATE score and experience details completely and accurately.
3. Email your completed application to Prof. Anup Nandy (nandya@nitrkl.ac.in) before 12 July 2026.
4. Mention the advertisement number NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS022/L/053 in your email subject line so the project team can identify your application quickly.
5. Keep your GATE scorecard and academic certificates ready — you may be asked for them at the interview.
6. Watch your email for the interview link and schedule, since the project team will contact shortlisted candidates only through email.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 12 July 2026
• Online Interview Date: 14 July 2026

• Develop edge-AI algorithms for motor-intent detection in the robotic rehabilitation system
• Design and test machine learning models for personalised therapy recommendations
• Build and validate the robotic therapeutic intervention prototype in the lab
• Collaborate with hospital partners for real-world clinical validation of the device
• Write technical reports, project documentation and research papers with the Principal Investigator
• Support data collection and analysis for motor-impaired patient studies
• Assist in preparing progress reports for the funding agency (SERB ANRF)